2024-11-02 07:00:00
This man can talk about literature, truly unique! “With Donald Duck you become receptive to literature, spirit and language: Krawumms!” The old Nazi elementary school teacher had “called out” him about “phrases” in his essays that probably couldn’t have come from him. Eh not! So further: “Only when you have read Stifter can you read at all. He always builds a dam and at the end he opens it up. Then high current comes out the back.” Music? “People are completely wrongly afraid of this weight, but you can Man without qualities Read it normally, it’s also very funny, but it just frays at the end. But it’s not like Proust with his tapeworm sentences, where you have to turn back 100 pages when you’ve lost the thread.” What can happen!
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#reading #Thomas #Draschan #Literature
**Interview with Thomas Draschan on Literature and Unconventional Reading Experiences**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Thomas. Your views on literature and reading practices are intriguing. You mentioned that works like Stifter’s create a “dam” that eventually releases a “high current.” Can you elaborate on this metaphor and how it applies to modern literature?
**Thomas Draschan**: Absolutely. Stifter’s writing often feels very constructed at first—there’s a build-up, a tension. But when you reach the climax, it floods you with emotion and insight. This mirrors how we sometimes approach difficult texts: we perceive barriers until we finally break through to a deeper understanding.
**Editor**: That’s a compelling perspective. You also pointed out a common misconception regarding Musil’s *Man Without Qualities*. Many readers shy away from it due to its weighty reputation. What would you say to those who find it intimidating?
**Thomas Draschan**: I believe people often overlook the humor in Musil’s work. Yes, it can fragment towards the end, but there’s a lot to enjoy along the way. If readers allow themselves to be open to the text, they might discover an unexpected levity that makes the experience worthwhile.
**Editor**: Interesting! Speaking of accessibility, you alluded to using characters like Donald Duck to engage with literature. Do you think children’s literature can fundamentally change adult perceptions of reading?
**Thomas Draschan**: Definitely! Characters we love as children can be gateways to deeper literary discussions as adults. They help us connect with larger themes and inspire curiosity that can lead us to explore complex works with less fear.
**Editor**: Let’s pose a question to our readers: Do you think engaging with children’s literature can reshape adult understanding of complex literary concepts? Can humor and simplicity enhance our appreciation for more challenging texts? We welcome your thoughts!
